Technology holding group G42 and Economist Impact have released a groundbreaking report, Ready, Set, AI, revealing significant obstacles facing artificial intelligence adoption in emerging markets.
The study, which surveyed 700 directors and senior managers across seven countries including Azerbaijan, Egypt, India, and Kenya, exposes critical gaps in AI infrastructure and talent.
Key findings demonstrate that 20 per cent of respondents lack adequate infrastructure for AI deployment, despite 70 percent having stable internet connections.
UAE tech group highlights global AI adoption barriers
Data accessibility remains a substantial challenge, with 81 per cent reporting limited access to training data and 84 per cent struggling with high-capacity computational systems.
Peng Xiao, G42’s CEO said: “We find ourselves at an inflection point. Collectively we need to make sure history does not repeat itself. If we look back, electricity was invented over 140 years ago. Yet even today almost half of Africa does not have access to it. Just as electricity did, AI promises to reshape entire economies and societies. And just as electricity, intelligence remains inaccessible to many.
“At G42, we believe that as intelligence through the form of AI becomes a utility, it becomes our joint responsibility to ensure equitable access for everyone. Our latest research helps us understand emerging market needs, the opportunities that lay within each, and the obstacles that prevent those markets from utilising intelligence in a meaningful manner.”
Talent scarcity significantly impedes AI implementation, with 45 per cent of survey participants citing human capital shortages as a primary barrier.
The report highlighted substantial brain drain, noting India’s record of 770,000 students leaving for international education in 2022.
Despite challenges, respondents remain optimistic about AI’s potential. Fifty-nine per cent anticipate increased productivity, 42 per cent expect improved customer satisfaction, and 38 per cent project cost reductions.
G42 is actively addressing these challenges through strategic investments. A notable $1 billion partnership with Microsoft will develop a green data center in Kenya, potentially transforming the region’s digital infrastructure.
The company is also pioneering linguistic inclusivity through large language models like JAIS 70B for Arabic speakers and NANDA for Hindi users, aiming to democratise AI access.
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